Over the top

Once you think the trip can't get any better ..there is Somalisa. I would have never thought to experience such close encounter with wildlife. Our guide Peter was the best, very knowledgeable, we had great evening discussions with him. What a treat this place is.

5 star rooms, great guides, food just ok

We loved the rooms: luxurious bed, beautiful bathroom with outdoor shower, great views and a camp surrounded by elephants. Our guide Calvet was one of the best guides we have ever had. The staff were kind and Dophus, the camp's host was very good. The only minus point was the food. We don't go on safari for great food so it was not a big issue. Overall food was ok but not great (trifle for example was not a trifle, vegetables served quite raw) but the worst was that at lunch time especially there was not enough food. We had a wonderful pizza but only a tiny salad to share between 7. The next day I asked for more salads and they did not seem to like that. Asides from that we had a wonderful experience and would consider the camp again

Amazing sightings at somalisa

We shared a vehicle with a honeymoon couple on their first safari and after almost every drive I had to reassure them that this was not a normal game drive. So many extraordinary things happened.

Our guide Lewis was excellent, very keen to find things and enthusiastic. When he told us that we would walk up to 4 young cheetah, I think that the honeymoon couple thought that they had misheard him!

A lion kill outside camp, failed lion stalks, eles galore and lots of birds to boot. A fabulous start to the trip.

Great location and guiding at Somalisa

This is a difficult camp to review because our experience is coloured by specific circumstances. We found ourselves on arrival the only guests (except one other long stay guest) at the camp who were not travel trade representatives on familiarisation trips. In itself this may not seem a problem but it significantly altered the dynamic and experience.

In addition from the second of 3 days the owner of African Bushcamps was there with some friends, this is no criticism of him because he was charming and helpful, however it felt like we were intruding on a private party. The staff seemed aware of the issue and did their best to make us feel comfortable. However some service was a little erratic, if you are asked if you would like tea with your wake up call it would be nice if it arrived. We only got this on the last morning and then we hi-jacked someone elses. I would comment that there appeared to be a lack of management oversight and attention to detail.

Now the positives: The accommodation is very good quality and the food good. Tent 5 which we had is perhaps a little close to the kitchen but not a major issue. The staff are very friendly and do their best to ensure that all is well.

The guiding was excellent and a very knowledgeable guide in Louis made all of the trips a great experience. Once again there was the opportunity to walk which was very welcome and I would recommend it as an alternative to spending hours sat on a safari vehicle.

Somalisa Camp review

This was an incredible place.

We arrived mid afternoon and Dophos gave us a very good arrival brief and then showed us to our tent which was spectacular. Due to the time of year we were there we had hot water bottles and a log fire in the room every night. Any washing we needed doing was done the same day.

Our guide, Lewis, was amazing. His knowledge of the area and wildlife is second to none. On the day of our wedding anniversary he arranged a surprise for us at one of the sun downer stop offs, we had a beautiful cake and champagne as the sun set. It certainly will be an anniversary we will never forget.

All of the staff were very friendly and always on hand for any questions we had.

Tented camp in the Hwange bush

Service at the camp was excellent, the staff were exceptionally approachable and they have really thought about how to make guests comfortable e.g. hot water bottles and ponchos for morning game drives.

We saw a great range of wildlife with our guide David who was excellent and shared a wealth of information with us about the animals including tracks, diet, food chain, habitat and other 'evidence' of their presence - his enthusiasm was infectious.

The food was excellent and incorporated traditional dishes and regional produce - we absolutely loved the braai on our first night and the opportunity to try sadza porridge.

The tents are comfortable however the shower part of the tent only has a gauze roof however so you are exposed to the wind/temperature (on our second night the wind was very strong so showering was too uncomfortable and our toiletries were blown across the room). The rooms do not have hot water on tap so you have to book your shower slot. Similarly breakfast is taken outside and the main tent is not overly wind proof so warm layers are definitely required for early morning and evening.

Excellent first time safari at Somalisa

The staff at this camp very friendly and welcoming, especially Evonne, the Manager. My guide Michel, was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. The rest of the camp staff were also friendly and tried to meet your every need.

The camp itself had a lovely old word charm about it along with an informal feel where the staff were more than happy to get you a drink but you were also encouraged to get your own in no one was about.

The room here was a lovely, characterful tented form of accommodation with a private open air bathroom that on occasion the elephants did help themselves to the soap. The area in which the camp was situated also supported large amounts of game so plenty of game viewing close to camp was available.

Somalisa Camp review

Yvonne could not have been more helpful. Michael Padiwa, the guide, was the best.He was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeableFood and drink was top notch.I expected to swim in the pool there but the swimming pool has been taken over by the ellies!Your information sheet mentions walks and hides at Somalisa. Not the case.